{"id":3566,"date":"2016-11-27T02:08:30","date_gmt":"2016-11-27T02:08:30","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2021-03-30T16:58:37","modified_gmt":"2021-03-30T16:58:37","slug":"metallum-medicus-the-virtues-of-christian-metal-d51","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/index.php\/2016\/11\/27\/metallum-medicus-the-virtues-of-christian-metal-d51\/","title":{"rendered":"METALLUM MEDICUS (Case#1): The Virtues of Christian Metal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Case for Christian Metal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2016 marks the relaunch of Heaven’s Metal Magazine<\/em>. For the most part, this has been a rolling process which began with Heaven\u2019s Metal Radio<\/em> earlier this year and more recently the creation and updating of the website. As word continues to spread via social media (the Facebook page has never been inactive) our karew continues to push forward with new radio shows, reviews and coverage as time allows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So in lieu of the relaunch, I thought it might be interesting to revisit our motivations for covering the Christian metal scene. In preparation for starting this blog I went through some back issues of the ‘zine itself and also looked at some of the online interviews in reference to Heaven’s Metal<\/em> over the past few years. Interestingly, I came upon this interview at freethunk.net, entitled An Atheist Interview with Heaven\u2019s Metal Editor Doug Van Pelt<\/a> <\/em>which obviously caught my eye! It’s a good read and Doug did a great job handling the questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several points in that discussion prompted me to pull out an unpublished article that I had put together in 2008 entitled, The Virtues of Christian Metal<\/em>. Because we were limited (at that time) on space for the printed fanzine (and didn’t have a webpage back then) editorial type pieces were lower priority than features and reviews. As I recall, the focus of the original \u201ccase\u201d was an \u201capologetic\u201d approach to Christian metal, which may seem like a pointless endeavor in this day and age, but I also remember having fun comparing the various qualities of elemental metals to those of the music so many of us enjoy on a near daily basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that the material is a little dated so won’t include any of the newer bands. Still, I think the piece makes some good points on the qualities of heavy metal in general, and more specifically, on the merits of Christ-centric metal. I think these observations are still highly relevant to the world we live in today. Granted, I realize that many of the bands in our scene nowadays are less evangelical and have moved their art into more contemporary or mainstream circles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, many of us (I am definitely in this camp) gravitate toward metal that is relevant to living life as a Christian in this world, rather than exclusively \u201cevangelical\u201d or \u201cChristian\u201d \u2013 labeled music. Still, l think this discussion is healthy and serves as a reminder as to where we have been and why we are still burning the metal torch here at Heaven\u2019s Metal<\/em>. – Doc<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Virtues of Christian Metal<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jonathan \u201cDoc\u201d Swank<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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According to \u201cthefreedictionary.com,\u201d metal can be li terally defined as \u201cany of a category of electropositive elements that usually have a shiny surface, are generally good conductors of heat and electricity, and can be melted or fused, hammered into thin sheets, or drawn into wires.\u201d However, they also recognize the figurative definition (i.e. mettle) \u201cthe stuff one is made of or one\u2019s character.\u201d Read on to discover what makes metal so metal and what makes Christian metal such a strong \u201cconductor\u201d for delivering the message of the Gospel and for edifying the body of believers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Metal is What Metal Does – Virtues of Metal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Heavy metal music, hereafter referred to as “metal,” shares many of its attributes with its literal \u201celemental\u201d origins:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. It is certainly both electrically charged and heated, literally and figuratively, as most headbangers will affirm. A song like \u201cBattery\u201d by Metallica really \u201ccharges-up\u201d the cerebral cortex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Circle of destruction, hammer comes crushing<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Powerhouse of energy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whipping up a furry, dominating flurry<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We create the battery<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. From a mechanical standpoint, metal flexes (a sign of strength) and is malleable (is susceptible to creativity) but it rarely breaks. While the core composition of metal music is driving, rhythmic guitars and bass, thundering, often fast-paced drums and soaring melodic or harsh vocals, these basic elements are often \u201cfused\u201d or \u201cmelted\u201d into different forms (i.e. melodic, power, progressive or extreme) and the sounds then bent (made malleable) by further alteration of that sub-genre (i.e. death or black). But ultimately, the basic elements are preserved, the metal remaining essentially (as Scorpions might say) \u201cunbreakable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Metal is certainly loud and lustrous \u2013 akin to thunder and lightning \u2013 which has the combined effect of shock and surprise. For this reason, it simply can\u2019t be ignored \u2013 it both demands and elicits a response from the listener. How often do you hear a metal tune and say, \u201cUh, its okay, I guess?\u201d More like, \u201cDude, this rules!\u201d or if you hate it, \u201cThis sucks, man!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sound of the drums<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beating in my heart<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thunder of guns<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tore me apart<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ve been<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thunderstruck!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Heavy metal \u2013 just like gold and silver \u2013 is also universal, found in virtually all societies; it is revered by all kinds of people, regardless of socioeconomic class, ethnicity, gender or age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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United, united, united we stand<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United we never shall fall<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United, united, united we stand<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United we stand one and all<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Metal’s Polarizing Mettle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

However, while all of the above virtues of metal derive nicely from the literal definition of the word, it is the figurative aspect of metal, or metal\u2019s \u201cmettle,\u201d so to speak, that best defines the uniqueness of the musical genre. In other words, while the abrasiveness of the sound gives metal its edge, the attitude and content of the music give metal its character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As previously noted, the extremity of the sound invariably elicits an extreme physical response, but it is, perhaps, the polarizing lyrical content of metal music that makes us \u201clove it or hate it\u201d in the end. The aggressive tone of the music \u2013 which demands the listener\u2019s attention \u2013 provides the perfect milieu for political, emotional and even spiritual exegeses. In essence, the artist has open license to tackle difficult and often controversial issues, and in doing so isn\u2019t restrained by the usual \u201cunspoken\u201d rules of communication. Political \u201cincorrectness\u201d becomes the new norm, so to speak, and the more extreme the music, often the more extreme the message. This \u201cno holds barred\u201d approach of metal lets the artist say what he\/she really feels \u2013 what often really needs to be said \u2013  and not just what pop culture thinks he\/she should say. The strength of the music, in turn, supports the strength of the message. Megadeth \u201chits the nail on the head\u201d with their scathing \u201cPeace Sells.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What do you mean, “I hurt your feelings?”
I didn’t know you had any feelings.
What do you mean, “I ain’t kind?”
I’m just not your kind.
What do you mean, “I couldn’t be President of the United States of America?”
Tell me something, it’s still “We the people,” right?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there’s a new way
I’ll be the first in line
But, it better work this time.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you put a price on peace?
Peace sells
Peace sells … but who’s buying?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Comforting Metal?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because metal is an extreme form of music, and because it is often very passionate in its confrontations, this music can be an intense comfort to us in times of deepest emotional need. Most metalheads will admit that when life becomes overwhelming or when tragedy strikes that they will often \u201cplug-in\u201d to their favorite shred. Because the blunt lyrical content cuts (or \u201cbleeds\u201d) us viscerally, it can provide a panacea of sorts when we are down \u2013 in some ways like a good non-judgmental friend. The Galactic Cowboys have this to say in \u201cJust Like Me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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He\u2019s just a regular guy, tells the occasional lie<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s got something to hide, but then so do I<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a checkered past, he cuts me slack<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He can feel my pain, like a long lost friend<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I want someone who will be just like me<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I want someone who can be just like me<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sensual Metal – Friend or Foe?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, metal\u2019s \u201cmettle\u201d or character is inexorably linked to its sheer power, inherently rhythmic and tribal in quality, which ultimately connects with (that electrical theme again) the listener\u2019s soul through the senses. It is, perhaps, this final attribute of metal \u2013 the ability to connect with the soul through the senses \u2013 that has generated so much controversy in both secular and Christian circles because many believe that most of the \u201cbad\u201d behavior associated with the genre stems from this \u201csensory\u201d input gone wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While it would be foolish to argue that metal music doesn\u2019t have a dark side or doesn\u2019t, at times, incite violence or other negative actions, it would be equally foolish to blame metal for our culture\u2019s moral depravity. We have previously argued in these pages (see Can You Find God in Classic Rock?<\/em> Heaven\u2019s Metal Fanzine #67) that it is not the music itself or the instruments of metal that are evil. Instead, it is the mindset of the lyricist that can have either a negative or positive impact on the listener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Therefore, in lieu of the preceding discussion regarding the virtues and qualities of metal, it is certain that Christian metal, equipped with its own unique set of virtues, has a positive impact on the world where we live. Barren Cross\u2019s anti-suicide \u201cIn the Eye of the Fire\u201d beautifully illustrates this kind of hope and encouragement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There is no easy way out<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of the problems you face no doubt<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But one thing I know, you don’t have to go<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the edge, there\u2019s a lot you don\u2019t know, Jesus knows<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t make His dream, the Satanic scheme<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wait out your life, but don\u2019t take your life<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Or, when death seems imminent, with dark forces at play \u2026 the progressive death metal of Extol\u2019s Undeceived<\/em> \u2013 one of the most technically brilliant and lyrically riveting releases in the history of Christian metal \u2013 shines forth on the title track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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She lies in her bed staring into nowhere<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tears running down her face<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An open wound bleeding<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her body turns pale\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The shadow encircles her, pale of fear<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slowly draining the last drops of life<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Her last strength she forces through<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And cries out to the Lord she used to know<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Overwhelming light annihilates the dark<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immediate rest fills her heart<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My dear child, come to Me<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will restore you and embrace you with My love<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Christian Metal \u2013 What\u2019s The (Melting) Point?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Christian metal (here defined as metal written by believers in Christ for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ and\/or delivering the message of the Gospel to the unsaved) shares many of its \u201cliteral\u201d strengths with secular metal (i.e. the heat, the power, the strength, the luster, the shock value) rendering the music virtually indistinguishable to even the most discerning ear. However, it is the more \u201cfigurative,\u201d character-based quality of metal that allows Christian artists to both distinguish themselves from their secular peers and make a more positive, yet equally credible, impact with their listeners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the extreme metal catharsis of early Mortification musically rivaled their \u201cdarker\u201d contemporaries, yet their words \u2013 albeit still graphically visceral \u2013 clearly set them apart \u2026 \u201cTerminate Damnation\u201d just one such example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Heed the words that terminate damnation\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Escape from torment is discovered<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through blood from veins ripped open<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By warriors under a governor\u2019s hand<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unaware while tearing Satan\u2019s heart<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One thing remains for mankind<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be spared from eternal darkness<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Become mortified to ways unclean<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And please the will of His Holiness<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Subsequently, lyrics that are Christ-centric or derived from Bible truths have both an edifying and challenging effect on believers and non-believers alike. Metal\u2019s polarizing nature provides the perfect environment for the confrontational nature of the Gospel message. Deliverance\u2019s tandem of \u201cIf You Will\u201d\/\u201cThe Call\u201d is probably one of the most iconic examples in all of Christian metal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whether you know or don\u2019t know<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Word of God is true<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s as a double edged sword<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ripping the heart in two<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The day to choose is near at hand<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will either be the King Jesus<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or the defeated one Satan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  (from \u201cIf You Will\u201d)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My friend you know the answer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But will you heed the call<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I know you want to reach out and touch Him<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But He can\u2019t answer if you don\u2019t ask at all<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  Do you hear Him?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s calling out to you<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you hear Jesus calling?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s calling out to you<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(from \u201cThe Call\u201d)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Not surprisingly, metal\u2019s extreme quality also resonates deeply with one of the most graphic, disturbing and violent moments in all of history \u2013 the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, God\u2019s son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Deity\u2019s blood, spilled for you<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For indeed Christ was our Passover<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hanging on a bloodied cross<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A bloodied cross<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Additionally, because metal is \u201cpolitically incorrect,\u201d like the Gospel itself, the Christian lyricist is able to expose difficult issues within culture and even the church \u2013 like child abuse, substance abuse, abortion, gluttony, etc. \u2013 that the Sunday preacher or street evangelist may be unable OR unwilling to address (Wicked Generation<\/em> by Sacred Warrior is a great example). These difficult and depressing issues once again resonate with metal\u2019s darker side, more so than they would with pop\u2019s lighter, less confrontational side. Hear the words of Sacred Warrior from \u201cMinister by Night.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re out on the front lines<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Challenging everyone<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surrounded by fruits of sin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That consume your daughter or son<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We go in after them<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019re in our sights<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that\u2019s our gift<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the darkness we\u2019ll shed the light<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We minister by nigh<\/em>t<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a heavenly show<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking the Word to places<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Places that you would not go<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Finally, it is precisely because metal is universal \u2013 it crosses many cultural and socioeconomic barriers \u2013 that it is such a strong vehicle for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In today\u2019s culture there are many people that may never enter a church, but some of these same folks may love listening to metal, perusing the lyrics with intensity, searching for something or someone to \u201cconnect\u201d with, to either comfort them or help them find meaning in life. Once again, the poetry of the Galactic Cowboys comes to mind\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I made it through another year<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drove away another tear<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pondering the endless questions of life<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I made it through another year, crying yet another tear<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pondering the things I dream in the night<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You know just what to say<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speak to me<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothings ever quite the same after You speak to me<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speak to me<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Metal Refinery of Souls<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Similar to the process whereby metal is refined from raw, useless elements into something of great utility and value, God refines men. Malachi 3:2 \u2013 3 says, \u201cBut who can endure the day of His coming? Who can stand when He appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.\u201d <\/em>Zechariah 13:9 suggests that men will be similarly \u201crefined by fire\u201d on the Day of the Lord. Likewise, God \u2013 through Christian artists \u2013 refines the music of metal into something more pure, more useful. As Messiah Prophet so powerfully shouts,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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He\u2019s the Master<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Master of the Metal<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christ, my Lord, my King<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s the Master of the Metal<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Noble Metal \u2013 Be Purified<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although many passages in the Bible regarding precious metals (gold and silver) refer to idol worship or greed, it is the exhortational passage in 2 Timothy which suggests that metals possess desirable qualities that make them useful for \u201cnoble\u201d purposes. \u201cIn a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.\u201d<\/em> (2 Tim 2:20 \u2013 21, NIV) In other words, if we allow ourselves to be purified (or cleansed) and be like noble (gold and silver) vessels rather than like ordinary or unrefined (wood or clay) vessels then we will be useful to God for doing good works. Obviously, Paul is using metaphors here, but the point is that metal is assigned a higher value because it is not only more coveted, but it is more refined and more useful for noble purposes. \u201cSomnambulism\u201d from Tourniquet states,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Blessed is the man<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who dwells in the unapproachable light<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will open a window<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That empties the darkness of your soul<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we walk in the light<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As He is in the light<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He will purify us<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Similarly, heavy metal music possesses both negative, covetous qualities (because like gold and silver, it appeals so much to the senses) and the positive, more noble qualities which have been discussed above. While most secular artists exploit the negative\/ignoble aspects of metal (violence, hatred, sexual promiscuity, rebellion, over-indulgence, etc.), Christian artists have the power from God to exploit metal for noble causes, such as reaching out to and lifting up those living in desperation or by sharing the message of hope and salvation though extreme music. Demon Hunter\u2019s words from \u201cUndying\u201d reflect nobly,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tearing through these days I find the tolerance to strive and push on<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know what lies beyond this life for me is already won<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No one can take away the blood that covers over my fall<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without the blood of perfect life I know I\u2019m nothing at all<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So now I reign forever hallowed in eternity\u2019s hand<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No man can shake me from the everlasting ground that I stand<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And Theocracy similarly exhorts us to noble actions by putting Christ, and others, above our own desires on the often misunderstood title track from their debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Father, use me to be Your hands down here<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A mirror to reflect Your glory into hurting eyes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And let me see the world with vision clear<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And not through selfishness and lies\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

As all around me I see bleeding souls<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please give me strength to never pass them idly by<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And as the angry storm clouds start to roll<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May they see comfort in my eyes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

For just as You are full of mercy and love<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same to others You have called me to be<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And by the covenant of grace above and below<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within our souls: theocracy\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Compelling Positive Movement \u2013 From Death to Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion, it is ludicrous to presume that metal can only induce \u201cbad\u201d behavior. Surely, if metal possesses such a polarizing nature (which most won\u2019t deny) then it can certainly compel movement in either a negative or a positive direction. The direction of this \u201cmovement\u201d will be determined by the content of the message (the lyricist\u2019s bent) and by the spiritual inclination of the listener. While only God can ultimately determine the outcome, it is apparent that metal\u2019s greatest virtue \u2013 its ability to compel behavior \u2013 becomes Christian metal\u2019s greatest strength. By providing a \u201clamp unto thy feet and a light unto thy path” (my paraphrase<\/em>), Christian metal artists can be \u201cnoble\u201d vessels in God\u2019s house\/kingdom and they will undoubtedly point believers and non-believers alike toward a life of hope and peace with the King. Selah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The time has come<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arise from death<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Victory is close at hand<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take up the sword and follow me<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of nothing into new creation<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEx Nihilo\u201d \u2013 Becoming the Archetype<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

[Author\u2019s Note: This is by no means an exhaustive apologetic on Christian metal, but rather a quick summary of the attributes and qualities of metal and how those qualities (or virtues) can be used for \u201cspreading the Word\u201d and \u201cedifying\u201d the body. While I tried to pick material that would be familiar to most, some bands, such as the Galactic Cowboys, were included because their lyrics are so universal \u2013 so impactful \u2013 and their music transcends secular\/Christian stereotyping. Keep in mind though that these examples represent only a small fraction of the plethora of other gifted musicians out there (past and present) whose art is both evangelical and\/or edifying in nature.]<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Case for Christian Metal 2016 marks the relaunch of Heaven’s Metal Magazine. 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